January on the Road

Happy Sunday, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve written an update on my consultant travels, but 2017 has been busy so far and I’m excited to share stories. I’ve worked in three different time zones this month, with three very different but equally admirable groups of women. Here’s a recap:

January 10-15: Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia

I kicked off my second semester on the road with a trip to our Gamma Lambda Chapter to provide support during Primary Recruitment. A brief history: Longwood is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, and it was the founding campus of four different NPC sororities: Kappa Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Sigma Sigma Sigma. Safe to say this place is rooted in tradition and proud of its tightly knit community. The school has approximately 4,500 students and made headlines this year for hosting the United States Vice Presidential Debate back in October. Farmville, the town surrounding the university, has this sweet southern charm and lovely, historic downtown area.

Greek life is prominent at Longwood with nine different NPC chapters, and due to the small student population each chapter has around forty total members. This creates a personal, authentic sisterhood that is unlike anything you can experience on a larger campus. These women are truly like family, and they made me feel welcome with home-cooked meals, a tour of their school and a collection of chapter t-shirts. They spoiled me over here for sure.

January 15-28: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California

After a travel day that felt like it would never end (thanks, United), I arrived in San Luis Obispo (SLO) to work with our Delta Phi Chapter during their winter quarter recruitment. Delta Phi is one of our newer Alpha Gam groups; they started in January 2016 and I get the opportunity to work with them consistently throughout this semester. Spending time with another group of founding members reminds me of the beauty of creating something brand new like this–these women are making history on this campus and forging a legacy that will last for years. They’re breathing life into the line of our Purpose that states, “To cultivate acquaintance with many whom I meet.” They’ve also taught me a few crucial elements of California culture: never, ever call it Cali (oops) and workout clothes are a way of life. Count me in.

As for SLO, it’s this ridiculously beautiful town along the central coast surrounded by mountains, beaches and some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve witnessed. I feel like a kid on Christmas just driving to campus every morning. I took a day last week to drive up the coast to Big Sur and have lunch at a coffee shop overlooking the ocean cliffs. Remind me again… I get to be here for work? Is this real? (the best!)

January 28-February 7: Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas

This week I’m back in the Little Apple, practically my home after spending time here on and off since August. The women of Epsilon Chi are so special to me and I love getting to hear all their updates every time I return. Plus, I’m taking a mini trip this weekend to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, and my inner history buff is squealing with joy.

In just two short days I’m headed to meet my coworkers in San Marcos, Texas, where we’ll be hard at work establishing our newest chapter at Texas State University this month. Send some well wishes our way as we recruit a group of brand new sisters, and as always, I can’t wait to share what I’m learning!